Bishop Kenneth J. Povish
April 19, 1924 – September 5, 2003

On November 7, 1975, the Diocese of Lansing received its 3rd bishop. Founded in 1937, the Diocese of Lansing was not only a young diocese, it was still steering its way through the changes of Vatican II when Bishop Povish arrived. There is a litany of accomplishments that are credited to Bishop Povish. In his 20 years as our bishop he ordained 57 priests and 67 deacons. With a vision for the spiritual needs of the faithful, Bishop Povish purchased the St. Francis Retreat House in Dewitt, and instituted a formal training program for lay ministers. Many of you will remember the RENEW program for parishes, which helped our diocese to grow spiritually.

As a person, Bishop Povish was proud of his Polish heritage and his Catholic faith. He was a prolific writer, who had the gift of speaking clearly to what was on his mind and heart. He would often tell stories of his childhood and had an impeccable grasp of history and theology. He loved to be around the new seminarians. Very few people could best him in a game of Scrabble. A native of Alpena, he was dedicated to the memory of Bishop Baraga, one of the early missionaries of the northern territories of Michigan. He was a man of integrity and dignity.

In 1994 he began a very exhaustive battle with colon cancer. With a heroic faith he struggled on to meet his duties as bishop until was granted a medical retirement in 1995. Since his retirement, Bishop Povish began a new ministry to the diocese that he loved. It was the ministry of his person witness of faith during illness and death. He came to know a new "community" during his many visits for chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He spoke openly about his battle and continued writing for diocesan publications.

During this past week the diocese came together in 9 different celebrations to remember Bishop Povish and celebrate his new life. It will be said of him that he was a good priest and a good bishop. If there were any faults with his administration of the diocese, they were covered over by the fact that he had the heart of a true shepherd. He would find no greater compliment than for it to be said that he was loved by his people and that he showed them the way to Jesus Christ.

I first met Bishop Povish in 1982, when I became affiliated with the Diocese of Lansing. It may not surprise you that I was a bit of a comic even then. I think the first words the bishop spoke to me were in response to a joke I made about celibacy. As we were taking a group picture with the bishop I called out, "Smile and say celibacy." The bishop turned around to me and replied, "And what is the other promise priesthood?" Of course the answer to that was obedience to the bishop and his successors.

Obedience to Bishop Povish came naturally because it rested the certain belief that the Holy Spirit guides the bishop. Bishop Povish earned this respect from me, and I believe he came to have the same respect for me.

It was a supreme honor for me to serve this week not only as a pallbearer, but to also preach at the first night of his funeral vigil. As one of the 57 priests he ordained, I will always have fond memories of Kenneth J. Povish the bishop, and the person. I will not forget his humility and his fidelity. Most of all I will remember how he witnessed our need for God. He once said it in Polish, "My Chcemy Boga" (pronounced ME TSEMY BO-Gah). After year of oppression the people of Poland sang these words loudly at the first visit of Pope John Paul II. We give thanks to those shepherds of Jesus Christ who show us that, in both our living and dying, we need God. Stolat!